Fact-check: Paternal smoking, obesity can harm unborn babies

Published on : 02/29/2024, Time: 2:34 AM

Researchers have identified notable associations between paternal factors and birth outcomes, encompassing preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and high birth weight prevalences.

“If a man is a smoker, does it affect his unborn baby?” asked one of our readers recently. Traditionally, women are believed to have the biggest influence on the health and well-being of the foetus in their wombs. Their genetic blueprint, health parameters, diet, lifestyle, and various other factors are monitored thoroughly to ensure the growth of a healthy baby. But what about the father’s influence? Do his genes and lifestyle choices have an effect on the foetus?

The answer is a resounding yes! Research indicates a correlation between paternal smoking before conception, especially during puberty, and alterations in offspring DNA methylation. This may increase the risk of asthma, reduced lung function, and obesity in the offspring. Studies find that environmental exposures during the youth of men play a role in influencing the respiratory health of their offspring, even when they are born many years later.

Several researchers have identified notable associations between paternal factors and birth outcomes, encompassing preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and high birth weight prevalences. Paternal obesity can affect fetal growth parameters and placental development, which has an adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes.

An interesting study challenges long-held assumptions about gene distribution in the placenta, the transient organ crucial for connecting the mother and embryo until birth. The organ has a predominant imprint of paternal genes, which have a unique impact on the size and efficiency of the placenta, directly influencing the well-being of the developing foetus.

Contrary to popular belief, the placenta and foetus are not solely molded by the mother’s genetic blueprint and lifestyle choices. Studies demonstrate the substantial influence of the father’s genes and habits in the development of a healthy baby. This underscores the need to take into account the health parameters of both partners in a pregnancy, rather than focusing only on women.